Program Overview

Introduction to the Global Studies in Asia Program

The Global Studies in Asia Program (GSA) is a curriculum in English that focuses on courses related to Japan. The program is based at the Komaba Campus and is run by faculty members at the College of Arts and Sciences. It is designed for international students who are interested in learning about, experiencing, and analyzing Japan from a variety of perspectives.

Program Overview

The GSA program offers courses in a number of areas, including cultural studies, history, literature, geography, politics, peacebuilding, and environmental sciences. Students who register for the Global Studies in Asia Program will have plenty of opportunities to interact with local students inside and outside of the classroom, especially students of the Global Studies Program (GS), which is the sister program of GSA.

Eligibility and Registration

Only students enrolled in the University-wide Student Exchange Program (USTEP Type U) or the College of Arts and Sciences Senior Division Exchange Program (KOMSTEP) are eligible to apply for the program. To apply, students should follow the steps below:

• Fill out the online form by the specified deadline.
• Register for courses required by the GSA program during the course registration period through the University of Tokyo Academic Affairs System (UTAS) or through the procedures indicated by the exchange program coordinators.

Curriculum

The GSA program offers a variety of courses, including:

• Praxis in Global Liberal Arts
• Lectures in Global Liberal Arts
• Seminar in Global Liberal Arts
• Japanese Language courses

The course information is subject to change, and students should check the latest information within the UTokyo Academic Affairs System (UTAS) and UTOL (UTokyo LMS).

Credit Requirements for Completion of the Program

To complete the GSA program, students must obtain the following credits by the end of their exchange period:

1. 6 credits from the following courses:

• Praxis in Global Liberal Arts
• Lectures in Global Liberal Arts I - III
• Seminar in Global Liberal Arts I - V

2. 6 credits from the Japanese Language courses offered at Komaba Campus

FAQ

• Q1: Can I continue to take GSA courses and enroll in the second semester if I could not complete the GSA requirements in the first semester? A1: Yes, you can take GSA courses in one semester or spread them over two semesters.
• Q2: Can I get the GSA certificate while I am in Japan if I have finished all the GSA requirements in the first semester? A2: No, the GSA certificate will be awarded after all the results have come out, and it will be sent to your home university after you have completed all the semesters at UTokyo.
• Q3: Can I get the GSA certificate by data? A3: No, in principle, you cannot get the certificate by data.
• Q4: Can I take Asian language courses in Hongo Campus? A4: The GSA program is run by faculty members at the College of Arts and Sciences, which is based on Komaba Campus. You are welcome to take other courses offered at Hongo Campus, but the credits of these courses do not meet the GSA requirements.
• Q5: Are there courses of Chinese and Korean beginners provided in English? A5: Please refer to the UTAS and contact the main instructor of each course to ask about the language used in class.

Messages from the Global Studies Committee

The Global Studies Committee welcomes students to the GSA program and encourages them to enjoy meeting and studying with students from all over the world.

GS Student Staff Members

The GS Student Staff Members are employed to support events organized by the GS/GSA program committee. They planned and hosted regular Lunchtime Gatherings and a Game Night for international and Japanese students during the 2025S Semester.

Events

The GSA program hosts various events, including Lunchtime Gatherings, lectures, and cultural activities. These events provide opportunities for students to interact with each other and with faculty members, and to learn about different cultures and topics.

Global Studies Program Committee

The Global Studies Program Committee is responsible for organizing the GSA program and its events. The committee is composed of faculty members and staff from the College of Arts and Sciences, and it works to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for international students.